Tech
Taming the Motor Grader: The Right Tech for a Complex Machine
Conventional wisdom holds that motor graders are the most demanding of all machines on the jobsite. So it would seem graders would be first in line for technological advances to make operation easier. Often they are, but it’s not necessarily because they are complicated machines.
“I think as an industry we tend to overplay how difficult it is to operate motor graders,” says Nathaniel Waldschmidt, product manager at Case Construction Equipment. “Yes, it takes time and effort, but graders can be learned and mastered just like any other machine.”
He says it’s not the nature of grader operation that makes technology so valuable, but the nature of the work graders do, where technology can dramatically improve both production and accuracy. “In this competitive landscape, it feels like a no-brainer to incorporate technology” into grader operation.
Machine control is one of those technologies fit for a grader.
Case has two models in its grader catalog, the 836C (shown above) and 856C, and each leaves the factory ready to run machine control, says Waldschmidt. “Between graders and dozers, it’s these applications that machine control was really made for.” The factory prep allows easy integration of systems from Leica Geosystems, Topcon and Trimble.
Both Deere 872 and 872 GP (shown) feature Auto-Shift Plus for simplified operation that requires no inching pedal. The GP (Grade Pro) model includes multiple advanced automation features. Both are powered by John Deere PowerTech PSS 9.0L engines rated at 300 net horsepower. The Deere transmission provides eight speeds forward and reverse with 6WD in the first seven gears.John DeereEach of the eight G Series models in John Deere’s lineup is available as a Grade Pro model, designated as GP. Among the host of automated features in Grade Pro are Auto-Articulation and Auto-Gain for Cross-Slope, plus Machine Damage Avoidance to prevent the blade from damaging the grader’s tires or ladder.
The Machine Presets function allows operators to program multiple functions into one button. To prepare for roading the machine, for example, one button tap can straighten machine articulation, raise and rotate the blade to its stow position, raise the rear ripper, activate the hazard lights and beacon and enable Auto-Shift.
The Auto-Shift Plus transmission allows the grader to come to a full stop in any gear without the use of the clutch and to restart with a press of the throttle. It also does away with the need for an inching pedal and performs automatic shifts in gears four through eight while roading.
SmartGrade is Deere’s latest tech advance. It is a fully integrated, mastless system that maintains accuracy while allowing the operator to control articulation, blade pitch and wheel lean as required.
SmartGrade-equipped models also support Topcon GPS and LPS systems while retaining the advantages of a mastless design.
“SmartGrade allows operators to run with no limitations, in any position, while grading with automatics,” says Matt Goedert, solutions marketing manager, roadbuilding, John Deere.
Powered by a 163-horsepower engine, the Komatsu GD655-7 grader features a two-mode, three-stage Variable Horsepower Control to match operating parameters to the application for improved performance and fuel savings. The new transmission shift lever allows fingertip selection of F-N-R. Refinements include a “right sized” steering wheel for use in roading, plus a new steering lever to provide low-effort fine control while grading.KomatsuNathan Repp, product marketing manager, Komatsu, offers a list of technology included in the company’s GD655-7 grader, including an electronically controlled, dual-mode transmission with anti-stall and two-pedal operation. It also has EPC low-effort fingertip control levers and fully integrated 2D cross-slope grading inputs with memory settings to maintain blade slope while adjusting blade height.
The GD655-7 comes configured for easy installation of the Topcon 3D-MC2 system. Standard steering includes both a steering wheel and armrest-mounted steering lever to match applications and operator preferences.
Experienced grader operators are rightfully proud of the complex skills they have developed over the years. So how welcoming are they of technology that simplifies grader operation?
“An expert operator will appreciate the tools that make tasks easier by automating some functions, so operators can focus on results and what is happening around them,” Repp says.
He adds that few, if any, other types of equipment have as many degrees of freedom as a grader, and automating some functions allows highly skilled operators to focus on tasks that demand their high level of skill.
Cat’s 140 GC is designed to combine high performance with low costs on small to mid-size jobs. The Cat C7.1 engine is rated at 196 maximum horsepower, and the automatic powershift transmission provides six forward and three reverse gears while eliminating the need for an inching pedal. The 12-foot moldboard and a host of attachments, including scarifiers, rippers and front blades, ensure versatility.CaterpillarProduct application specialist Erik Kohout says Cat’s use of technology has been a three-fold development.
Levers were first; they were straightforward to use, and operator efficiency improved as muscle memory deepened over time.
Then M Series graders in 2007 introduced joysticks, which offered low-effort, intuitive, three-axis control, auto-articulation and grouped all major functions into two joysticks.
In 2018 the Next Gen machines arrived with the choice of levers or joysticks.
“Some operators, especially those with more experience, prefer the low effort of joysticks,” says Kohout. “Sometimes the preference is based on application.” Rough cutting favors levers, while finish work is best done with joystick controls.
Kohout says the right combination of technology helps combat the current labor shortage. Low-effort joystick controls enable older workers to remain on the job longer, and automated features bring new operators up in proficiency much faster.
A caveat: “Those new workers still need to learn to manage material and to understand how what they do fits into the total site.”
Cat 120 GC and 140 GC graders come with steering wheels and lever controls. Beyond that, these two models allow customers to choose features and technology à la carte.
The 140 GC, for example, comes with a standard seat; upgrades have mechanical or air suspension. Customers can move up from the base cab to a cab with HVAC or down to a canopy. ROPS/FOPS is optional. An on-demand fan is standard and a reversing fan is optional.
A no-spin differential is standard, while all wheel drive is an available option.
How important is AWD?
“It offers 40% more tractive effort than rear tandem drive,” says Kohout, “but also has higher initial and ongoing costs. The question is, does the boost in productivity offset the higher costs?”
Cat’s AWD provides steering speed compensation to minimize tire scrub in turns. On non-GC models it allows all drive to come from the front wheels only at speeds up to 5 mph, minimizing disruption of the finished surface.
Here again Kohout offers a word of warning. AWD emboldens some operators to run their graders like dozers, which they are not.
Repp points out that the majority of grading operations are performed with rear drive, even on graders with AWD.
“For a system that gets used only part of the time, there’s a lot of additional cost, wear, fuel consumption and maintenance.”
AWD does have its place in certain situations, “but it is not really needed the majority of the time. Justifying AWD comes down to how much additional you’re willing to spend and if it is actually required for the job at hand.”
Improved mechanics
Deere offers an optional Premium Circle on all graders with a sealed bearing and pinion for reduced maintenance costs and less downtime.
The design eliminates the need to adjust and replace wear inserts and provides 40% more circle torque and 15% more speed compared to the standard circle. The only required maintenance of the Premium Circle is to grease the bearing every 500 hours.
Case graders feature an A-frame drawbar with a heavy-duty boxed frame design to reduce lateral stress and extend operating life.
The saddle can be hydraulically set to five positions. Gooseneck geometry allows the operator to rotate the moldboard over 90 degrees for each working side with no mechanical interference.
Graders as snow removers
Kohout says the key to efficient snow removal with a grader is the proper outfitting.
“New wings and plows enter the marketplace often,” he says. “Know what advantages these new products offer.”
As snowfalls become lighter in many areas, mastless wings become more appealing. Modern snow tires may eliminate the need for chains, and some snow tires provide true all-season performance.
“Do you need a trip edge? Do your LED lights run hot enough to prevent icing of the lenses? Do you have the right beacons?” he says contactors should ask themselves.
“Graders are highly configurable for snow removal so make sure to do your homework.”
Dump trucks equipped with plows have the advantage of spreading deicing chemicals or grit while plowing, says Waldschmidt, but graders offer much better visibility to the clearing area. Graders are also more agile and, when equipped with snow wings, are better at shoulder clearing and moving snow farther off the road.
“Motor graders are wildly underrated for their efficiencies and capabilities in snow removal.”
Caterpillar is bidding farewell to its 259D3, 279D3 and 289D3 compact track loaders with the introduction of its new, next-generation 255 and 266 models.
The completely redesigned models debuted at media and customer events at Caterpillar’s Edwards, Illinois, Demonstration and Learning Center last week. The 255 and 265 offer improved engine performance, more lift height, a roomier cab and more standard technology than their predecessors.
“We kept the DNA of the D3 series while reimagining the possibilities of loader performance using voice of customer feedback to lead the way,” says Trevor Chase, product application specialist for Caterpillar. “Both next-generation models leverage the many benefits offered by the vertical lift design. The new Cat 255 replaces the 259D3, while the 265 replaces both the 279D3 and 289D3 machines.”
The CTLs are the last of Cat’s building and construction products to get the next-generation treatment and simplified nomenclature. The first number (2) represents the skid steer loader and compact track loader machine family; the middle number (5 or 6) designates the machine size; and the ending number (5) is the compact track loader identifier. Skid steers will be identified by a 0 end number. Additional new models will roll out in the coming months, the company says.
CaterpillarMore power and torque
Cat equipped the 255 with a C2.8T engine and the 265 with a C2.8TA engine, both at 74 horsepower. This gives the new machines a significant boost in torque – 13% for the 255 and 43% for the 256 – over their D3-Series predecessors. The engine and cooling package are mounted lower in the frame for added visibility out the rear window and stability while lifting heavy loads.
Customers attest that the added lift height makes truck loading easier. The 255 offers 10 feet 4 inches of lift height, while the 265 can reach 11 feet high.
“The lift height has made a big difference when loading trucks,” said Derrick Roger, owner of Coast to Coast Lawnscapes, who spent several months testing the 255. “You can get on top of that truck now and empty the bucket; whereas, before you would have to shake the bucket to try to get the material to fall out.”
The 255 delivers 36% more tilt breakout, 26% higher lift breakout force and a 24% increase in rated operating capacity (ROC). The 265 also delivers 19% higher tilt breakout force and 22% higher lift breakout force.
Standard hydraulic pressure has been increased to 3,500 psi, allowing the 255 and 265 to operate all Cat Smart Attachments with the standard auxiliary hydraulics provided.
If demanding attachments require additional hydraulic flow, customers can have their Cat dealer activate the high flow functionality on the machine or remotely via software update. This makes it possible for the CTLs to hit 30 gallons per minute of flow at the standard system pressure.
A High Flow XPS factory option increases auxiliary hydraulic system pressure to 4,061 psi for both models, while also increasing the hydraulic flow to 30 gallons per minute for the 255 and 34 gallons per minute for the 265.
The torsion suspension undercarriage delivers better operator comfort, track wear and material retention, plus the stiffer design results in smoother graded surfaces, Cat says. A new 12.6-inch bar-tread narrow track option is available on the 255.
A more spacious cab
Cat says it has increased the cab width by 2.75 inches without making the machines wider and the footwell-to-ceiling height by 1.8 inches. The larger cab gives operators an additional 1.5 inches of hip room and 1.1 inches more width between the joysticks.
A range of new mechanical and air-ride suspension seat options are available, including a ventilated and heated seat. A new automatic temperature control allows operators to set a specific temperature. Relocated vents help cool or heat the machine quickly.
The standard package includes the same 5-inch LCD monitor as the D3 Series CTLs, which offers Bluetooth connectivity and functionality for the rearview camera feed, creep, job clock, and maintenance reminders.
Customers can upgrade to a new 8-inch advanced touchscreen monitor, like the display found in Cat’s next-generation mini excavators and small loaders. It delivers advanced radio control and supports the 270-degree multicamera option. The advanced monitor pairs with the advanced joysticks for integrated control of all machine functions and adjustments.
“You can adjust the movement – or the aggressiveness or the conservativeness – of how your tracks and lift arms work through your advanced touchscreen display,” Dante Thomas, skid steer and CTL marketing manager, said. “And you can control of all of your display functions from the advanced joysticks. There are buttons with enter and select functions on those joysticks that you’re able to change any functionality that is possible.”
Cat also redesigned the entry, making the 255 and 265 easier to enter and exit. The cab door can be opened even when the lift arms are not fully lowered to the frame stops. It can be removed without tools in less than one minute.
Advanced technologies
Calling the 255 and 265 “one of the most attachment-friendly machines on the market,” Thomas says both the standard and advanced monitors can run Cat Smart Attachments, such as the dozer and grader blades and backhoe.
“It has attachment recognition that when you plug the attachment into the machine, it recognizes which attachment is connected. It adjusts your joystick pattern, so it gives you intuitive and simple control,” says Thomas.
The available Cat Product Link Elite system tracks machine hours, location, asset utilization, provides fault code details and delivers advanced monitoring and machine health, that is remotely accessible via VisionLink. In addition, Product Link Elite provides remote flash and troubleshooting capabilities and quickly enables the remote activation of the SEA High Flow feature.
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Quick Data is a snapshot of new and used wheel loader sales trends from Randall Reilly’s EDA equipment financing data, TopBid auction price service and EquipmentWatch market trend reports.
Demand for wheel loaders has softened with new and used financed wheel loader sales down year-over-year from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023 according to Randall Reilly’s EDA equipment financing data.
Financed new wheel loader sales dropped 10%, while used financed wheel loader sales fell by 15% compared to the same period last year.
Cat (22.4%), Deere (21.0%) and Komatsu (12.4%) held their positions year-over-year as the top three sellers of new financed wheel loaders. Top models sold included the Deere 544 P-Tier (401), Deere 624 P-Tier (380) and the Komatsu WA270-8 (364).
[Watch: “A Really Solid Machine” – Test Run of Komatsu’s WA475-10 Wheel Loader]
Cat (28.5%) and Deere (22.9%) also snagged the No. 1 and 2 positions for the highest number of financed used units sold, with Case (14.7%) claiming the third spot. On the date we examined the data, the top-selling models were the Case 321F (340), Cat 926M (164) and the Case 621G (159).
During this period, there were more buyers of new loaders in Florida (955) than in any other state. Buyers of new wheel loaders were also prevalent in Texas (893) and Illinois (665). Those states were also top buyers of used financed machines, with 712 units sold in Texas, 413 in Florida, and 412 in Illinois.
EDA data is compiled from state UCC-1 filings on financed construction equipment. EDA continually updates this data as information comes in from each state.
[Related Content: A Rundown of the Latest Wheel Loaders for 2023]
Used Wheel Loader Market
Used wheel loader prices rose 10.1% for the 12-month period from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023, according to Randall Reilly’s EquipmentWatch market trend data.
The average price for a used wheel loader was $137,465 in July 2022 compared to $151,367 in July 2023. The average age of used wheel loaders fell slightly during the period, dropping from 8.8 years to 8.3 years.
EquipmentWatchThe average age and price were calculated on 153,356 resale listings during the period in the EquipmentWatch database.
Over the last 12 months, prices for used wheel loaders have in general increased, with the largest gains in October 2022 (6.5%) and February 2023 (2.9%).
EquipmentWatch defines fair market value (FMV) as the monetary value of an asset that can be expected in a transaction with a single seller and single buyer, neither of whom is under any compulsion or time restriction to complete the transaction. FMV for heavy equipment is most closely associated with the private resale market, as opposed to the public auction market.
Wheel Loader Auction Prices
Caterpillar also dominated the auction charts, accounting for 18 of the top 20 wheel loaders sold in terms of price for the 12-month period of September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023. Deere and Komatsu were the only other manufacturers to appear on the list.
The top auction price spot went to a 2021 Cat 966M with 2,188 hours. It sold for $400,000 at a Ritchie Bros. auction in Orlando, Fla., on September 21, 2022. The second-highest price paid was $315,000 for a 2019 Cat 980M with 7,836 hours at another Ritchie Bros. sale in Atlanta, on December 1, 2022. Rounding out the top three was a 2018 Deere 944K with 8,941 hours. It sold for $290,00 at a J.M. Wood Auction Co. sale in Montgomery, Ala., on March 21, 2023.
In total, there were 358 wheel loaders sold at auctions tracked by Top Bid during this time, with an average price of $99,747. (This does not include any units sold for less than $5,000.)
EDA, Top Bid and EquipmentWatch are owned by Randall Reilly, parent of Equipment World.
[Related Content: Heavy Equipment Auctions Set for Second Half of 2023]
Volvo Construction Equipment bought Terex’s off-road truck line in 2014, and six years later, it rebranded its articulated haulers under the Rokbak name.
On this episode of The Dirt, we hear from Paul Douglas, Volvo vice president of rigid haulers, who explains the differences between the old Terex line and the Rokbak trucks. He also gives a hint at some of the new things coming from Rokbak, including redesigned cabs and replacing the current trucks with new models. There’s also the possibility of a new size truck to hit the market.
Rokbak, as with other construction equipment brands, is working toward a zero-emissions future. On this episode, he explains where the articulated dump truck market is heading in terms of alternative fuel. He adds that customers will see big changes in emissions and engines in the next five years, with the ultimate goal of reaching zero emissions within 10 years.
So to learn more about Rokbak and what the brand has in store for the future, check out this episode of The Dirt.
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